Wednesday

Dec 27, 2017 at 4:27 PMDec 27, 2017 at 4:27 PM

Injuries stifle NIU’s offense, end in bowl defeat

The Northern Illinois Huskies lost their fifth bowl game in a row on Tuesday night, getting shut out in the second half during a 36-14 loss to Duke in the Quick Lane Bowl in Detroit. Injuries suffered even before the game began hurt the Huskies, for sure. Tight end Shane Wimann, a possible late-round NFL draft pick this spring, as well as NIU’s biggest threats at wide receiver (Chad Beebe) and tailback (Jordan Huff), were all out due to injuries. NIU’s offense had one senior starter playing, WR Christian Blake, and it showed. The Huskies were held to 65 net yards rushing, including minus-five in the second half, and the Huskies converted just 1-of-18 third- and fourth-down tries, including 0-for-6 on fourth down. The Blue Devils ran 92 plays to the Huskies' 57.

Regents topple during five-game losing skid

Less than a month ago, Rockford’s men’s basketball team was 3-0 in Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference action and was riding high. Fast forward to now, and it’s a different picture. The Regents are suffering through a five-game losing skid that was exasperated by a 109-51 defeat to No. 3-ranked Augustana, and was capped off by a 108-64 exhibition loss to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay last week. The Regents will look to get back on track in the new year when they host Marian on Jan. 3.

Fernie Silva has team ranked No. 1

Fernie Silva (Hononegah) is wrestling at 157 pounds for Notre Dame College (Ohio), and he has helped the Falcons climb the Division II rankings, where they currently sit at No. 1. Silva won a state title back in 2016 while a senior at Hononegah, and last year he was an alternate at the D-II national championships as a freshman after taking fifth at regionals. He recently placed third at the Findlay Open.

Pair spark Dubuque wrestling program

A pair of locals are sparking the University of Dubuque wrestling team, which is looking to make some noise in the Iowa Conference of the Division III ranks again this season. Ethan Cain (Polo) is 4-3 at 184 and Quincy Kalkbrenner (Lena-Winslow/Stockton) is 8-3 at 165, and they are both key cogs on the team.

Jay Taft: 815-987-1384; jtaft@rrstar.com; @JayTaft

Never miss a story

Choose the plan that's right for you.
Digital access or digital and print delivery.